Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica)

Fragrant Sumac

(Rhus aromatica)

Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz

CC BY-SA 4.0

Image By: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Rhus aromatica, commonly known as Fragrant Sumac, is a deciduous shrub native to North America, specifically found in open woodlands, rocky hillsides, and along forest edges. It is widespread across the United States, southern Canada, and Mexico. This shrub typically grows 2 to 6 feet (0.6 to 1.8 meters) tall and 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3.0 meters) wide, with a dense, rounded form. Fragrant Sumac is notable for its trifoliate leaves that turn vibrant shades of orange, red, and purple in the fall, and for its small, yellow flowers that bloom in early spring before the foliage emerges. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they are fragrant and attract pollinators.

Fragrant Sumac is valued for its ornamental appeal, particularly its bright fall foliage and pleasant aroma. It is commonly used for erosion control on slopes, as a ground cover, and in naturalized or wildlife gardens. This plant is adaptable to a range of soil types, from acidic to alkaline, and prefers well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun to part shade and is drought-tolerant once established. Fragrant Sumac can spread by suckering to form colonies, which should be considered when planting in smaller areas. It is generally low-maintenance, but can occasionally suffer from leaf spots or rust.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrubs
Height: 2-6 feet
Width: 6-10 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Low, Medium
Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fragrant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands, rocky hillsides, and forest edges

Other Names

Common Names: Aromatic Sumac , Polecatbush , Lemon Sumac , Skunkbrush , Squawbush , Sweet Sumac , Gewürz-Sumach , Duftender Sumach , Sumac Aromatique , Sumac Odorant , Doftsumak

Scientific Names: Rhus aromatica , Rhus aromatica var. simplicifolia , Rhus canadensis , Rhus crenata , Rhus suaveolens , Rhus aromatica var. illinoensis , Schmaltzia crenata , Rhus aromatica f. simplicifolia , Schmaltzia arenaria , Myrica trifoliata

GBIF Accepted Name: Rhus aromatica Aiton